Xana to host mini festival

Originally from Jamaican, Scottish heritage, Clifford Joseph Price, otherwise known as Goldie is a talented British electronic music DJ, artist, and has even had many roles in film and television. He is well known for his innovations in the jungle and drum and bass music genres. His first studio album, Timeless, released in 1995, entered the UK Albums Chart at number seven.

He previously gained exposure for his work as a graffiti artist, having travelled all across America and Europe, showcasing his unique and artistic pieces through various exhibitions.

Music is My Life started last year as a tribute to fellow DJ Josh Ezelle who sadly passed away last year. He left behind his 1-year-old son Christian Ezelle. The festival is inspired by the DJ, who lived in Asia for 12 years and filled up dance floors around the world with his gifted ear and unwavering lifelong passion for music.

Goldie has teamed up with #1 Hit soul artist from Canada, Eka, who will be performing alongside him on the night. Eka, a close friend of late Josh, says she felt compelled to put something together.

“Josh had an undying truthfulness with what he was playing. Not only has the festival been set up to raise money for his child, but music is a powerful way of connecting people together,” Eka told The Phuket News in an interview held together with Goldie earlier this week.

Goldie said, “This is the latter part of my career. Music has been very good to me as an individual. So it was important for us to do something positive and give back. We’ve tried to various things, such as setting up a football match in Rawai, working with the BISP and more.

“When he [Josh] was tragically taken from us, it was even more important to celebrate the love he had for music.”

Goldie explained how the underground music scene is popular among the expat scene. “This is where music takes the forefront and takes precedence over everything.”

“Music is My Life epitomises what’s true and honest. There’s this kind of value and honour in music. It’s off the beaten track,” says Eka.

Goldie tells how pleased he is to be here in Phuket, having officially relocated and settled with his wife in Kamala.

“The place is really developing, although there is a village mentality, it shows it’s taking the right time to evolve better. People actually have the time to really appreciate good music.”

Josh was one of the pioneers in the early days of the Bangkok club scene. Many people knew him and his music. He was one of the original Bed Supperclub DJs.

“Sometimes all people have to cling to is music. It’s a type of language, it’s soothing and resonate. The festival has been organised for us to play music to people that really enjoy it, and especially raise money for a good cause,” Goldie explained. Interestingly enough, it has been said that his album Timeless helped popularise drum and bass as a form of musical expression.

“It’s a real privilege to use our gift to play to others, and be honest with our music,” Eka said.Goldie described his musical sound as “thoughtful funk”, which will compliment Eka’s R’n’B soulful voice perfectly.

Having spent most of her life between music and fashion, Eka says that going back into music in her 30s has been uplifting, and she did it for all the right reasons. She plays at many of the island’s fabulous high-class hotels and events.

Indeed the festival is sure to be a spectacular and emotional event, particularly since the name of the festival is in honour of the talented DJ himself. Josh was frequently asked by his mother to have a fall back career in case it all goes wrong, to which he responded that there was no need, “Music is my life”.

This is Goldie’s first major performance in Phuket and this special event is dedicated to music lovers from all walks of life, with the best DJs and musicians on the island, including special sets by DJ Krypto (Blow/Seduction), Tommy T (Sound Wave Sundays), James D (Evil Twins) and Wii (Xana Resident DJ), sharing a dedicated performance to celebrate music that is honest and true to their souls.

Join forces with the island’s best musicians to raise funds for the young lives living at the Koh Sireh Orphanage and for Christian Ezelle.

Entry Fee: B500 including one welcome drink and donation to Koh Sireh Orphanage and 1-year-old Christian Ezelle’s College Fund.

Beachfront Cabanas, VIP sofas and cocktail tables are available. The party starts at 9pm till late.

For table reservations, please contact info@xanabeachclub.com

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